Zippy Zucchini

Zucchini...again! There seems to be no end to the zucchini coming from the garden...and here is another simple yet delicious way to cook it. When I got my first microwave oven...way back when...I took some microwave cooking classes. Since that time...this zucchini recipe has been a summer favorite. Cooked totally in the microwave...the kitchen stays cool. Add some fresh tomatoes...and maybe a cob of corn...and call it a meal.


Zippy Zucchini

• 4 cups zucchini, cut into chunks
• 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 jar (2 0z.) pimiento, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  

1. Place zucchini and onion slices in an 8" square dish...or a quiche pan.
2. Cover with plastic wrap, turning one edge back to vent.
3. Microwave at High for 7 minutes.
4. In large bowl, mix together eggs, cheese, pimiento, salt and pepper.
5. Add zucchini and onions, stirring well.
6. Grease dish in which veggies were cooked.
7. Pour zucchini mixture into dish...cover with parchment paper and microwave at medium-high for 5 minutes.
8. Stir...and microwave uncovered for another 3-4 minutes at medium-high...or until set.
9. Makes 4 large servings.

*I actually used the pimento called for in the recipe this time...but have used diced red, orange or yellow bell peppers instead...blanching them with the zucchini and onions. A dash of cayenne pepper adds a little zip as well.

Breakfast Fruit Skewers

I have to admit, my brother is one of the very best 'chefs' that I know and his presentation of the most simple meal is inspiring. Here is a simple breakfast with fruit on skewers served with a sauce that you can individually drizzle over the fruit on your plate. Since enjoying that wonderful breakfast at his home, I have tried several different versions of sauces myself which I share below.


In an alternate fashion place strawberries, pineapple chunks, grapes, oranges, melon, cantaloupe, banana or seasonal fruit in a pretty pattern on a large wooden skewer. Serve with one of the following sauces.

Vanilla Honey Glaze

• 1 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Place honey and vanilla in a smaller glass microwave safe bowl. Heat just long enough for honey to be able to be stirred. Do not overheat the honey! Stir the vanilla and honey together. Drizzle over individual fruit skewers


Yogurt Dipping Sauce.

• 3/4 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 carton (8 ounces) reduced-fat lemon yogurt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Place the water and raisins in a small bowl; let stand for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger, allspice and cardamom. Drain raisins; stir into yogurt mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Marshmallow/Yogurt Dipping Sauce

• 100 g white chopped white marshmallows
• grated lemon zest
• 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• 200 g fruit yogurt
• 1/2 cup thickened cream

Combine marshmallows, lemon rind and juice
in a non stick saucepan. Cook stirring continuously over low heat until the marshmallows have melted. Cool slightly. Gently combine yogurt and cream and stir cooled marshmallow mixture through the yogurt. Chill.